Signature Events

Honorary Members Luncheon: Members meet once a year for a luncheon to interact and discuss topics of mutual interest with Honorary Members in small groups. Honorary Members are senior-level women in leadership positions at the university.

Honorary Members

In 2004, Women in Management invited 11 senior-level women administrators to become Honorary Members. Honorary Members are senior-level women in leadership positions at the university. Since the program’s inception, the number of Honorary Members has grown to 26.

Honorary membership recognizes individuals who are role models and mentors to other professional women at USC and exemplify the advancement of Women in Management’s mission: “To promote the professional development of women at USC to prepare them for advancement throughout their careers.”

One of WIM’s most popular and well-attended annual events is the Honorary Members luncheon, where WIM members and guests have the opportunity to interact with the Honorary Members in small groups. In the past, topics of discussion at the various tables have included:

  • Most important career-enhancing strategies
  • Most valuable problem-solving strategies
  • Challenges and opportunities in a particular field or profession
  • Advice for moving up the ladder of academic administration
  • Balancing work and family

Visit the Honorary Members Nomination Process  page to nominate a deserving senior-level woman in leadership at USC.

List of Current and Past Honorary Members

Name Title Department
Aileen Adams Former Vice Provost for Strategic Alliances Provost’s Office
Carol Mauch Amir General Counsel and Secretary of the University Office of the General Counsel
Brenda Barnes USC Radio President KUSC
Roberta Diaz Brinton Professor (Former Vice Provost for University Diversity) Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Marilyn Flynn Dean School of Social Work
Karen Symms Gallagher Dean Rossier School of Edcation
Katharine Harrington Vice President of Admissions and Planning Enrollment Services
Martha Harris Senior Vice President-Retired University Relations
Carolyn Heine Assistant Registrar Academic Records and Registrar
Susan Heitman Associate Senior Vice President-Retired University Communications
Suh-Pyng Ku Vice Dean Graduate Programs & Professor Marshall School of Business
Laura LaCorte Associate Sr. Vice President Office of Compliance
Janis McEldowney Assoc. Sr. Vice President, Human Resources Senior Vice President, Administration
Jean Morrison Former Executive Vice Provost of Academic Affairs Academic Affairs, Director, Women in Science and Engineering
Sarah Pratt Vice Provost of Graduate Programs & Professor
Madeline Puzo Dean School of Theater
Catherine Quinlan Dean USC Libraries
Kristina Raspe Former Vice President Real Estate Development and Asset Management
Kristen F.  Soares Former Senior Associate Vice President, US Government Relations Government and Community Relations
Barbara Solomon Emerita Professor (Former Vice Provost for Faculty Diversity) Emeriti Center
Rochelle Steiner Professor (Former Dean) Roski School of Fine Arts
Margo Steurbaut Vice President for Finance Office of Budget and Planning
Carolyn Webb de Macias Vice President-Retired External Relations
Ruth Weisberg Professor (Former Dean) Roski School of Fine Arts

Senior Vice Presidents Luncheon: The membership meets annually with senior leaders to hear directly about issues important to the development of the university.

Annual Luncheon with the Senior Vice Presidents

A long-standing tradition, USC’s senior Vice Presidents annually deliver a “State of the University” address to WIM members. These top administrators cover academics, administration advancement, external relations, and medical care, summarizing the preceding year’s highlights and outlining plans for the future. A lively question and answer period follows the presentation.
Valuable interaction occurs among WIM members and administrators on these occasions as they dine together in a convivial atmosphere for luncheon. WIM members highly value this unique opportunity to receive first-hand reports from USC’s leadership.